About REF 2021
REF 2021 is the second assessment carried out under the Research Excellence Framework (REF), after the first in 2014.
REF is a framework designed to assess the quality of research being conducted at UK universities. It is undertaken by the relevant national research funding body, Research England in UCL’s case. Three elements are taken into consideration: the quality of outputs (publications, performances, and exhibitions), their wider impact beyond academia, and the environment that supports research.
As one of UCL’s 11 faculties, The Bartlett makes a significant contribution to the university's REF performance. The Bartlett is pleased to stand with UK built environment faculties in celebrating the vibrancy of our disciplines and the strength of our collective research endeavour around the world. We are the UK’s largest faculty of the built environment and REF 2021 has confirmed both our unique breadth, and excellence across this portfolio.
Key Highlights
- The Bartlett is where the UK’s most ‘World Leading’ and ‘Internationally Excellent’ built environment research is undertaken
- 91% of our research has been deemed ‘World Leading’ and ‘Internationally Excellent’
- The Bartlett is number one for Research Power in the built environment
Impact case studies from The Bartlett
Public and media impact arising from mathematical research at UCL
UCL researchers have inspired millions of people with maths and how it can be applied in real world scenarios.
Keeping fossil fuels in the ground: identifying unburnable fossil fuels
Researchers at UCL Bartlett’s Institute of Sustainable Resources have established what proportion of fossil fuels need to remain in the ground in order to meet international climate change targets.
Promoting high quality urban design in the UK
Researchers at UCL Bartlett established the Place Alliance, a collaborative network that provides leadership, influences policy and ultimately promotes high quality urban design in the UK.
Helping plot the UK’s pathway to net zero
UCL Bartlett researchers developed a model (UK TIMES) to identify which sectors of UK industry should be decarbonised first – and how fast – for the UK to cost-effectively meet its emissions targets.
Helping secure Asmara’s UNESCO World Heritage status
Decades of research and consultancy by UCL’s Professor Edward Denison and Guang Yu Ren helped in achieving UNESCO World Heritage Site status for Asmara, the capital of Eritrea.
Connecting deprived regions of Europe through innovative tram projects
UCL Bartlett researchers have examined the potential of tram projects to help tackle social and economic deprivation in North West Europe (NWE), influencing over €22 million in strategic investments.
Tackling the climate and health risks of overheating in buildings
Research at UCL Bartlett has highlighted the risks associated with overheating in homes, including climate-change, health, wellbeing and productivity, leading to new policy and recommendations
Supporting rapid decarbonisation to improve health and tackle climate change
UCL Bartlett research has helped place health at the centre of government’s understanding of climate through its contribution to ‘The Lancet Countdown: Tracking Progress on Health and Climate Change'
Improving air quality in schools through better building design
Pioneering studies on indoor air quality in schools at UCL Bartlett have raised industry design standards and helped reduce pupils’ and teachers’ risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases
Pioneering mission-oriented approaches to policymaking
Research led by UCL’s Professor Mariana Mazzucato has encouraged governments to move away from single-department policy approaches and instead think of societal issues as cross-sectoral ‘missions’.
Helping cities in the Global South manage different types of risk
The Bartlett Development Planning Unit (DPU) at UCL has led research partnerships with cities in the Global South to manage risk and create fairer, more sustainable and climate-resilient environments.
UCL News
The impacts of The Bartlett's research on the wider world have been recognised in the Research Excellence Framework 2021.
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Here you'll find the latest news stories from across The Bartlett's thirteen departments, featuring the latest research, awards, announcements, opport
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